On Friday afternoon, Shanghai Shenhua look to escape the Chinese Super League relegation zone when they visit Jiangsu Suning.
The visitors head into this game in the drop zone after a poor campaign. However, they are just two points away from safety. A win in this clash could move them out of the bottom two.
The problem for Shanghai is that wins have been hard to come by of late, as they have failed to win in nine league games, six matches of which they have lost.
Their recent away form has not helped their chances of escaping the relegation zone, as they have failed to win in six games on their travels in the Chinese top-flight. Keeping the opposition out has been a problem away from home in the league, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine games.
Jiangsu have enjoyed a decent campaign in the Chinese top-flight and still have a chance of making the AFC Champions League spots this season. However, the fifth-place home side will need to make up a nine-point gap on third-place Shanghai SIPG if they are to play continental football next season.
Their recent league form in the Chinese top-flight this season has been the definition of inconsistent. A record of two wins in their last seven outings is unlikely to help them achieve their objective of a top-three finish.
A familiar trend in recent Jiangsu matches in the Super League has been both teams scoring goals. In fact, both teams have scored in the home sides last eight league outings.
Their recent home form is certainly cause for optimism, as they are unbeaten in nine home games, having recorded seven wins.
Forebet predicts that Jiangsu’s recent stellar home form will continue in this clash, with the home side winning a high-scoring encounter.